Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Nexus Rail overhead line engineers on the Tyne and Wear Metro

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18th April, 2026

Staffordshire railway releases statement after train derailment​

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Churnet Valley Railway guard


The Churnet Valley Railway has released a statement after a train derailed this morning.

The incident happened at around 09:40 this morning (18th April 2026) and involved a non-passenger carrying train at Cheddleton station.

Thankfully, no injuries were sustained during the incident.

The Churnet Valley Railway are working with the Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.


The railway says that this is the first incident like this since they began operating in 1996.

Recovery is underway to remove the locomotive and coach affected.

The locomotive involved is a new locomotive to the railway’s fleet, but the CVR says it would be inappropriate to speculate on what the cause was.

All services have been suspended as a result of the derailment and this will continue into Sunday.

A full service is expected from the 22nd April, subject to safety and recovery work being completed in time.


"At approximately 09:40 this morning, a non-passenger-carrying train movement consisting of empty coaching stock departing Cheddleton Station derailed.

No injuries were reported or sustained as a result of the incident.

We are working closely with the relevant authorities, including the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and are fully cooperating with them. A response team from CVR was immediately dispatched and recovery operations are currently underway to safely rerail and remove the affected locomotive and coach.

The railway has proudly operated heritage steam and diesel services since 1996, and this is the first incident of this nature in our history. We are committed to understanding exactly what has occurred and will continue to support all investigative efforts. While the locomotive involved is new to our fleet, it has undergone extensive testing prior to entering service, and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause at this stage.

As a result of the derailment, services will remain suspended through Saturday and into Sunday.

We currently expect to resume normal services on Wednesday 22 April, subject to the completion of recovery work and safety checks.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."

CVR Spokesperson
 
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18th April, 2026

ACMU Society move to the Essex heritage railway​

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No. 312792


The ACMU (Alternating Current Multiple Unit) Society has announced a partnership with the Colne Valley Railway in Essex, which will see the society move to new premises and launch “The 300 Club”.

“The 300 Club” will provide a means of funding for “Project 300”, which is to restore a DTC and TS vehicle from No. 312792 and a DTBSO from No. 307123 to full working order, with potential for passenger use on the Colne Valley Railway in the long term.

Members of “The 300 club” will be able to donate £3 a month towards the restoration of the two units.

Both units are unique in their own way.

No. 312792 is the last class 312 in existence, while No. 307123 is formed of the only two Mk2 EMU carriages to make it to preservation.

No. 307123 celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year, and there are plans underway as part of “Project Yellow Submarine” to cosmetically restore this ACMU to as-built condition in BR Green livery for its anniversary this August.
 
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No. 307123


The two vehicles from 312792 will go straight into full restoration with support from Colne Valley volunteers.

Both units have already begun to be stripped, with assets being assessed for possible reuse or replacement.

307123 and 312792 will also be added under the banner of AC EMU preservation, and will feature under the Societies’ “Meet the Fleet” network alongside other preserved units Nos. 309624, 311103, 313121, 317345, 315856,

The ACMU Society has already been very grateful to a generous donor who has sponsored a storage building and modular office for the group.

To fully purchase both assets, the society is encouraging members to like Budget Shipping Containers on Facebook.

Every like will see £1 taken off the final cost of purchase and movement of the containers to the society’s new site at the Colne Valley Railway.


“I’m really pleased to take this big step forward for the group and to support these unique vehicles. The Colne Valley Railway have been very supportive of our aims and ambitions, and our organisations share a lot of the same values. I look forward to working with the railway and exploring some of the other opportunities and future potential on site”

Lakshman Pathak, Chair of ACMU society


“The Colne Valley Railway and ACMU partnership allows us to continue preserving these vehicles with their historical connections to Essex. We are home to a large proportion of the AC fleet, and now is a good opportunity to develop this relationship. The ACMU bring an enthusiastic team with expertise and a clear roadmap. We welcome The ACMU Society to the CVR and look forward to working with them.”

Adam Croot, CVR Trustee
 
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18th April, 2026

Llangollen to expand partnership with Llangollen Tourist Information Centre following launch success​

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James Veal, Denise Williams and Ian Lebbon at the launch of the new partnership


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has expanded its partnership with Llangollen Tourist Information Centre following strong demand for town-centre ticket sales.

Since the launch of the initiative on Castle Street, delivered in collaboration with Go North Wales, visitors have responded positively to the convenience of purchasing tickets in the heart of Llangollen, simplifying access to one of North Wales’ most popular heritage railways.

From this week, the offer has been broadened to include official railway merchandise at the Tourist Information Centre.

A range of branded items such as teddy bears, tote bags, key rings, cups and cushions is now available, allowing visitors to combine ticket purchases with souvenirs in a single location.

The railway has also outlined plans to extend partnerships with attractions across North Wales in the coming months, supporting Llangollen’s bid for Town of Culture.
 
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7822 'Foxcote Manor' approaches Carrog


Existing collaborations include the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Wales Comic Con, strengthening the town’s position as a year-round destination.

Meanwhile, the railway’s ‘Ales from Wales’ Real Ale Trains will launch on 25 April, featuring Welsh breweries including Hafod and Purple Moose.

The event will include live music in the James Veal Station Master’s Marquees at Llangollen Railway Station.

Further supporting local enterprise, the railway café now stocks predominantly Welsh produce, including Mario’s Luxury Ice Cream, reflecting a wider commitment to regional suppliers and the visitor economy.


“The success of selling tickets through the Tourist Information Centre has been fantastic. It has made a real difference in helping visitors access the railway more easily, right from the centre of our town. The TIC is such a brilliant asset to Llangollen. It plays a vital role in welcoming visitors and promoting everything the town, the Dee Valley and the wider region have to offer.

“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Denise, Barbara and the whole team, who do an outstanding job every day. We are proud to support them and strengthen this partnership even further. By expanding into merchandise, we’re creating an even better experience for visitors, giving them the chance not only to plan their journey, but also to take a piece of the railway home with them.”

David Hennigan, Trust Manager at the railway.
 
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